Solicitor General
This is a unique opportunity to serve in a pre-eminent leadership role at the nexus of law and governance. The Solicitor-General is entrusted with providing independent and impartial legal advice to the Cook Islands Government. This position is of paramount importance, as it also includes the critical roles of upholding Constitutional integrity and protecting the public interest.

* Key Responsibilities
The principal functions of the Solicitor-General are prescribed by the Crown Law Office Act 1980 and include the provision of legal advice to, and across the breadth of, the Cook Islands’ Government, including the King’s Representative, Cabinet, Prime Minister and Government departments.

The Solicitor General acts in most instances as Attorney General and, as such, is entrusted with the corresponding powers, duties, authorities and functions of the Attorney General as provided for via statute and common law.

The Solicitor General also has overall responsibility for the administration of the Crown Law Office and is responsible for leading and building a high-performing legal team.

Successfully navigating these responsibilities offers the chance to shape the legal landscape of the Cook Islands, demanding a legal professional of the highest calibre and integrity.

* Qualifications and Experience
The successful applicant will have extensive experience in any of the following areas: civil, commercial, Constitutional, international, criminal or public law, litigation experience at all levels, including appellate advocacy.

Applicants must already be admitted to the Bar in a Commonwealth country and qualify for admission to the High Court of the Cook Islands.

Mediation experience and/or graduate qualifications in business or commerce is desirable. Additionally, also required is proven expertise and experience in organisational leadership (senior leadership and experience managing a team of legal professionals), context management (the ability to identify and manage legal risk, and provide strategic high-level advice), and system leadership (experience engaging with Ministers and senior officials, and external stakeholder, across the public sector and beyond).

A further requirement will be a commitment to the Cook Islands Public Service values, particularly a high level of integrity and transparency, with the ability to inspire trust and confidence in those you serve.

The ideal applicant will have an understanding of Cook Islands’ culture and experience working in a Pacific Island environment. Applicants with less than 12 years’ post admission experience are unlikely to have the skill set required for this senior appointment.

* How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates who possess the experience, integrity, and legal acumen required for this pivotal role are invited to submit a formal expression of interest. The term of this appointment is for three (3) years. For more information on the specific requirements for the role, please refer to the job description which can be downloaded from the OPSC website at www.psc.gov.ck

All applications must be addressed to the Public Service Commissioner and include your cover letter and CV with the contact details of 3 referees. Email your application to psc.info@cookislands.gov.ck Applications must be received by 4pm, Monday, 05 January 2026 (CI time). Late applications will not be considered.